Trying to decide between a McLean townhome and a single-family home? You are not alone. Many buyers weigh space, privacy, commute, and long-term costs before choosing. In this guide, you will learn how each option fits typical McLean budgets, what to expect for taxes, HOA dues, and maintenance, and how day-to-day living compares. Let’s dive in.
McLean market snapshot
McLean is one of Northern Virginia’s most sought-after areas, and prices reflect that. As of January 2026, Redfin reported a median sale price around $1.64M across all home types, while Zillow’s ZHVI showed a typical home value near $1.42M. ZIP codes matter here: 22101 often trends above the McLean average, while parts of 22102 can be lower due to product mix and proximity to Tysons. Regional economists project modest price movement for 2026, but conditions can shift, so keep timing in mind and review current data in the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors forecast.
What your budget buys
Townhomes
If you prefer a lower-maintenance lifestyle near Tysons or the Silver Line, a townhome can be a strong fit. Older or smaller townhomes commonly range from the low-to-mid six figures up to a bit over $1M. Many newer or luxury brownstone-style townhomes trade roughly in the $800K to $1.3M+ range, with designs that emphasize vertical living, modern kitchens, and roof decks. Communities near the McLean and Tysons Metro corridor illustrate this mix of convenience, size, and finishes.
Single-family homes
Detached homes in central and west McLean typically start in the low $1M range for smaller or older properties. Renovated homes, larger lots, and new builds often fall between $2M and well above $5M, with luxury estates reaching $10M+. If you want a private yard, larger garage, and more square footage, expect to be in the single-family band and to budget for higher taxes and maintenance.
Monthly costs beyond the mortgage
HOA dues and what they cover
Townhomes in McLean often come with HOA or condo associations, especially near newer Tysons-edge developments. In sample listings, dues can range from about $100 to $450 per month, and amenities or services can push fees higher. Dues commonly cover landscaping, snow removal, common-area upkeep, exterior maintenance for some structures, and a master insurance policy. Always review governing documents to confirm what the association covers and what remains your responsibility. The National Association of Realtors offers helpful context on navigating HOA rules and documents.
Property taxes: quick math
Fairfax County’s base real estate tax rate for tax year 2025 is about $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value. To estimate, multiply your assessed value by 0.011225. For example, a $1,200,000 assessment would suggest roughly $13,470 in annual base tax, before any district-specific charges. You can confirm the current rate and details on the Fairfax County tax page.
Insurance differences
With a single-family home, you typically carry an HO-3 or HO-5 policy that covers the full dwelling and lot. In a townhome or condo setup, you may carry an HO-6 unit-owner policy while the association’s master policy covers the building shell or shared elements. This affects premiums, deductibles, and what you must self-insure, including loss assessments. For an overview of HO-3 vs. HO-6 coverage, see this insurance comparison explainer.
Maintenance budgeting
A simple rule of thumb is to budget at least 1 percent of a home’s value per year for routine maintenance, and up to 2 to 4 percent for older or larger properties. Single-family homes usually require higher exterior and yard spending, such as roofing, siding, driveways, tree work, and larger HVAC systems. Townhome owners often share some exterior costs through the HOA, trading a monthly dues line for fewer surprise projects. For national ranges and examples, review this maintenance cost guide.
Lifestyle and layout trade-offs
Space and privacy
If you want space to spread out, a private yard, and more separation from neighbors, a single-family home is the clearest path. Many McLean lots offer room for outdoor dining, gardening, play space, or future projects. Townhomes provide efficient layouts, roof decks or small patios, and modern finishes, but typically with tighter outdoor footprints.
Noise and neighbor proximity
Townhomes have shared walls, so construction quality and sound attenuation matter. HOAs may set quiet hours or restrict exterior changes, which can help maintain a predictable look and feel. Review community rules up front and decide if the standards match your lifestyle preferences. For a high-level overview of HOA guidelines and expectations, start with NAR’s HOA considerations.
Parking and storage
Many McLean townhomes include one- or two-car garages and limited guest parking. Single-family homes typically add driveways, larger garages, and more storage. If you have multiple vehicles, sports gear, or frequent guests, factor parking capacity into your must-have list before you tour.
Commute and location check
McLean sits inside a high-access corridor framed by I-495, Route 123, Route 7, the Dulles Access Road, and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. That network is a big reason for local demand and pricing. For a quick geographic overview, glance at McLean’s location and boundaries.
The Metro Silver Line serves McLean via the McLean Station on Dolley Madison Boulevard. Typical rides into core downtown transfer points have historically been about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your final stop and transfers. You can read more about the station itself on McLean Station’s page and explore regional coverage in this Silver Line overview. Always test your commute during your normal travel window and consider the cost and reliability benefits of managed lanes and toll roads.
Two buyer profiles to compare
| Buyer type | Townhome near Tysons | Single-family in West McLean |
|---|---|---|
| Who it fits | First-time buyer or relocating professional seeking convenience and modern finishes | Move-up buyer valuing privacy, yard, and more storage |
| Price context | Older or smaller townhomes can span low-to-mid six figures up to $1M+; newer luxury brownstones often around $800K to $1.3M+ | Smaller or older homes often start low $1M; renovated or larger lots commonly $2M+ |
| Monthly costs | HOA dues in the $100 to $450+ range; HO-6 policy; lower exterior upkeep | No HOA in many cases; HO-3/HO-5 policy; higher exterior and yard costs |
| Lifestyle | Walkable access to Tysons amenities and the Silver Line; compact outdoor space | Larger private yard, more flexibility for outdoor living and projects |
Build your search plan
Set your budget band. If your max is under $1M, focus on older townhomes or select condos in 22102 near Tysons. If you want a private yard and more space, target $1.5M+ in many McLean neighborhoods and $2M+ for renovated homes or larger lots. Keep current local medians in mind and verify live inventory as you search.
For any HOA property, collect core documents early. Request the CC&Rs, current budget, latest reserve study, the last 12 months of board minutes, a master insurance summary, and a delinquency report. These reveal rules you must follow, the health of reserves, planned projects, potential special assessments, coverage gaps, and community stability. Use NAR’s HOA guidance as a reference point.
For single-family due diligence, confirm lot lines, easements, major system ages, and exterior conditions. Budget at least 1 percent of value for maintenance and consider a capital reserve for roof, HVAC, and driveway replacements. Review neighborhood conditions and any local tree or landscape requirements.
Run tax and insurance scenarios. Use the Fairfax County base rate of about 1.1225 percent as a starting point and compare HO-3/HO-5 vs. HO-6 premiums with your insurer. Always get quotes based on the specific home and location, including any additional coverage needs.
Audition your commute. Drive your route during peak hours and test the Silver Line from McLean or Tysons stations to your office. Check schedules and transfer times so your daily rhythm matches the neighborhood you choose.
Which is right for you?
If you value convenience, modern finishes, and lower exterior maintenance, a townhome near Tysons and the Silver Line often checks the boxes. If you want more privacy, yard space, and long-term flexibility, a single-family home in West or central McLean may be the better path. Either way, matching your budget to real local prices and understanding taxes, HOA obligations, insurance, and maintenance will help you buy with confidence.
Ready to refine your plan, tour the right properties, and compare true monthly costs side by side? Book a white-glove consultation with Leslie Hoban for tailored advice and an on-the-ground view of McLean’s best options.
FAQs
What should I know about HOAs for McLean townhomes?
- Many townhomes have HOAs that set rules, manage common areas, and fund reserves; review CC&Rs, budgets, reserve studies, and minutes to spot planned projects and potential assessments. See NAR’s HOA considerations for context.
How much are typical HOA fees for McLean townhomes?
- Sample listings show a wide range, often about $100 to $450 per month, with higher dues in amenity-rich or newer communities; always confirm what dues include and whether fees are expected to change.
What is Fairfax County’s property tax rate and how do I estimate my bill?
- The base rate for tax year 2025 is about $1.1225 per $100 of assessed value; estimate by multiplying your assessed value by 0.011225, then check the county’s tax page for updates and any district charges.
How long is the Metro ride from McLean Station to downtown DC?
- Typical rides to core transfer points have historically been about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on final stop and transfers; see McLean Station details and audition your route during normal commute hours.
How much should I budget for maintenance on a single-family vs. a townhome?
- Plan at least 1 percent of home value per year and up to 2 to 4 percent for older or larger properties; single-family homes often sit at the higher end due to exterior and yard costs, as outlined in this maintenance guide.
